An emotional Sanju Samson allowed himself to be vulnerable after producing one of the finest knocks of his career in India’s virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday (March 1).
The right-handed opener smashed a sensational 97* off just 50 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, guiding India in a daunting chase of 199 and sealing their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
While the numbers were impressive, it was the manner of the innings that stood out. Samson was nearly flawless, playing with remarkable composure and control. There was little fortune involved — instead, it was an exhibition of maturity, skill and calculated aggression. He began at a brisk pace and expertly shifted gears, striking timely boundaries even as wickets fell at the other end.
But instead of projecting unwavering confidence in the aftermath, Samson chose honesty.
“I think right from the day I started dreaming of playing for the country, this is the day I was waiting for,” Samson said at the post-match presentation. “I’ve had a very special journey with lots of ups and downs. I kept doubting myself, thinking, ‘Can I make it?’ But I kept believing. Thanks to the Lord Almighty for blessing me today.”
The 29-year-old also credited his long spells on the sidelines for shaping him into a better cricketer. Despite being in and out of the XI, he used that time to observe and learn from senior pros.
“I have been playing this format for a long time — around 10 to 12 years in the IPL and close to 10 years around the national setup,” he said. “Even when I wasn’t playing, I was watching from the dugout, learning from greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I’ve seen how they finish games and adapt according to situations. That really helped me.”
Samson admitted he never imagined producing an innings of such magnitude on a stage like this.
“I never felt I would do something this special. I was just focusing on my role and taking it one ball at a time. This is one of the greatest days of my life.”
On a night when India needed someone to rise above the pressure, Samson did just that — not just with the bat, but with the honesty of his words.
